St. Paul to pay $520,000 to bystander attacked by police dog

Video (01:13) : Warning: Contains graphic footage. A St. Paul police K-9 attacked an unsuspecting woman, knocked her out of her shoes and dragged her to the ground causing bites that required hospitalization, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court.

In an interview earlier this year, Collins said that the Sept. 23, 2017, attack made her feel unsafe in her home and caused her to be fearful of dogs. Collins has one hand; the dog attacked that arm. “I didn’t deserve that,” she said. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Noel said Friday that Collins continues to see a therapist to cope with the trauma.

St. Paul released a new policy in April prohibiting K-9 apprehension for nonviolent allegations such as auto theft. The changes made in July go further in restricting their use, and also require twice monthly testing of handlers’ control of their dogs and the dogs’ recall and release skills.

Sgt. Mike Ernster, a police spokesman, said handlers and K-9s have been passing the tests.

The status of the six-month audit is unclear. Former St. Paul police chief William Finney, who is being paid $50,000 to lead the study with an additional $50,000 for expenses, did not return messages Friday. Carter’s office deferred questions about it to police, who didn’t know what had been accomplished so far.

Chao Xiong is the Hennepin County Courts reporter for the Star Tribune. He previously worked as a Ramsey County, state and Minneapolis general assignment reporter.